Sri Lanka adopts National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2030 to attract investment

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 05:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says Govt. cannot finance $ 500 m to fight climate change annually
Says strategy aims enabling environment for private investments in renewables, agriculture, fisheries, and climate-resilient infrastructure

Cabinet Spokesperson and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the Cabinet of Ministers approved the declaration and implementation of the Sri Lanka National Climate Finance Strategy (2025–2030) to mobilise private capital into climate-resilient and low-carbon sectors.

“Sri Lanka has been identified by the Global Climate Risk Index as a country at high risk of climate-related catastrophic weather events, with annual losses estimated at more than 2% of GDP. To mitigate and adapt to these risks, the Government should invest around $ 500 million each year in climate-resilient infrastructure, equal to 0.5% of GDP, which the National Budget cannot sustain,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

He said significant investments are therefore required in renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and that the new strategy provides a structured system to attract green investments beyond traditional budget financing.

The strategy was prepared by the Department of External Resources and the Department of National Planning, with UNDP assistance and contributions from 35 Government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forests. The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the President, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to declare and promote the strategy.